Common Dyschromia Causes

At Metro Dermatology, we have a significant number of patients come to our office for treatment of dyschromia, which is basically an abnormality in the color of your skin. Dyschromia causes vary.

What is Dyschromia?

Your skin has cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes contain melanosomes that are responsible for the color of your skin. The more melanosomes that are present, the darker the color of the skin. On the flip side, the fewer melanosomes present, the lighter the color of the skin. A disorder in the uniformity of the skin’s pigmentation is called dyschromia.

How is Dyschromia Expressed?

Since the condition is a disorder of the pigmentation of the skin, we see it expressed in many common ways. Generally, it shows as hyperpigmentation or dark patches of skin surrounded by lighter skin. Skin conditions that are examples of dyschromia are:

Freckles

Age spots

Lentigines

Melasma

Age spots

Liver spots

Chloasma

Many expressions of hyperpigmentation occur following sunlight exposure. They are more prevalent in places like the face, arms, and hands. However, conditions like melasma and chloasma are caused by hormonal fluctuations. Age and liver spots are two of the most common forms of dyschromia.

What are the Symptoms?

Dyschromia is a condition of the skin, so its symptoms are observed on the skin’s surface. When affected, the skin can look patchy or red and purple. The constriction of blood vessels causes the color changes in the skin. The hindrance of blood flow causes blood accumulation and patches of redness on the skin. Pain and difficulty breathing are possible symptoms as well.

What are the Causes?

As mentioned before, there are many forms of dyschromia. Each has a unique appearance, and the causes of pigmentation issues vary. The causes we most commonly see are:

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Cuts

Scrapes

Radiation therapy

Chloasma

Mongolian blue spots

Wounds

Moles

Medication-induced photosensitivity

Insect bites

Bathing trunk nevi

Giant nevi

Suntan

Sunburn

Melasma

Rashes

Minor skin infections

Melanoma

Erythrasma

Pityriasis alba

Tinea versicolor

Vitiligo

If you would like to learn about how to correct your pigmentation concerns, visit Metro Dermatology, with offices located in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood, and the Bronx. Contact us today for a consultation!